Page 62 of In Scandal with the Duke
There was a ponderous silence while she held her father’s regard. Regret and pity gleamed from his gaze. Unable to bear that pity, Elizabeth glanced away and peered out the window to the lovely side gardens where lilies were in full bloom.
“Bette, your mother is deeply regretful that she wounded you. She is shattered because she fears that she lost your love and trust.”
A lump formed in Elizabeth’s throat, and tears stung her eyes.
“Your mother apologized and—”
“She has, and Aunt Sally, too. I know I will eventually forgive her and Aunt Sally, but it will be done on my time, Papa.”
He sighed. “I understand. I wish your mother had returned so we could best discuss everything as a family.” Her father held out a small envelope to her. “Your mother sent this for you. I have not read it, and she urged you to read it right away.”
Elizabeth paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she rose from her seat and approached her father to take the envelope he offered. She opened it and frowned, for she expected to find a letter from her mother. Instead, it was a folded piece of newssheet clipping.
“It is not a letter,” she murmured. “It’s another scandal sheet mention.”
Dearest readers,
It is my duty to share a letter I personally received from the Duke of Basil. I never imagined I would be honored to receive a letter personally from the duke. I was shocked and fascinated by his sincerity. Who knew one of society’s most scandalous rakes could be this poignant and threatening in the same breath? This author sincerely apologizes to Miss A and retracts the baseless gossip I erroneously shared without proof. It was never the Daily Gossip’s intention to be slanderous and injurious. I share the duke’s letter with you all for this author believes it reveals the duke has finally met his match, and I daresay he might have found love.
Her heart hammering, Elizabeth stumbled to sit on the sofa, already feeling as if the floor had vanished from beneath her legs. She had truly thought herself beyond the possibilities of such hope again.
Lady C,
My honor demands that I address a matter of grave concern that has been brought to my attention. Recent publications under your direction have chosen to promulgate slanderous and unfounded accusations against a young lady of exceptional character, whom I hold in the highest esteem. It is a gross misjudgment to propagate such scathing and condemnatory remarks about circumstances outside your understanding. I find it unforgivable.
You will consider the impact of your words, which have not only sullied Miss A’s reputation but also deeply offended me. I will not stand idly by while her character is so wrongfully maligned. I will defend Miss A’s honor without hesitation or remorse against anyone perpetuating these baseless claims. Should you or anyone wish to challenge the veracity of my intentions, be assured that my actions will be swift.
This correspondence, while perhaps fueling further gossip, is necessary to uphold the principles of decency and respect. The speculation it incurs should remain within the realm of private contemplation, as the public discourse on the matter will only further impugn my honor and that of Miss A, whom I deeply respect for her kindness, warmth, and compassionate spirit.
Miss A has never sought to manipulate me into marriage or any other obligation, understanding that she already commands my deepest regard and utmost respect. Any such action would be beneath her dignity and honor. I demand an immediate retraction of all statements made against her. This retraction should be published prominently in your next issue and all other newssheets that have participated in disseminating these falsehoods.
I trust you will act accordingly.
The Duke of Basil
Tears stung Elizabeth’s eyes and blurred her vision, and no matter how hard she tried to blink them away, she couldn’t stop them.
“My dear,” her father said softly, “what is it?”
Unable to speak past the knot of emotions in her throat, she held it out to him. Her father took the clipping and read it. After a few beats, he said, “This is the gentleman your mother acted so egregiously against.”
“Yes.”
“He has done rather well in defending you,” her father said, “He also has the reputation and connections to stand by his words. It is rather interesting that he chose to do this.”
Her heart squeezed painfully, and she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I … we … we were friends.”
Elizabeth could not say more, nor would she dare to hope that this act of salvaging her reputation meant more.
“Perhaps this gentleman loves you and—”
The laugh that came from her felt as if it scraped against her throat. “I have no wish to speculate on His Grace’s meaning. I am only thankful he realizes I had nothing to do with it. But Father, please do not believe this means anything or that he forgives mama and aunt’s deplorable actions.”
She stood and lifted her chin. “Today, I shall take a walk.”
“Do you wish to go to him?”
Shocked, she stared at her father. “No.” Each time she recalled the cold disgust in his gaze on the steps of his mother’s townhouse, her chest squeezed, and it felt as if her heart shattered again.
